The event was attended by Politburo member Pham Binh Minh,who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister; leaders and former leaders of the Party and State; representatives of relevant ministries, departments and branches; and representatives of diplomatic corps, international organisations and foreign non-governmental organisations.
At the ceremony, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh awarded the Ho Chi Minh Order to the VUFO for its outstanding achievements and contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Party and of the nation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh expressed his belief that, on the basis of the achievements and experiences of the past 70 years, the Union will promote its role as the core force in people-to-people diplomacy, acting as a bridge for peace and friendship between the Vietnamese people and the people of other countries, as well as in party and state diplomacy, to create synergy in modern Vietnamese diplomacy, thus contributing to the cause of building and defending the Fatherland along with the common struggle of people around the world in the fight for peace, national independence, democracy and social progress.
VUFO Chairwoman Nguyen Phuong Nga affirmed that, in the new situation, the VUFO will continue to adhere to the motto "active, flexible, creative, effective", actively consolidate and expand the network of international friends and partners, take the initiative and improve the quality of research, forecast the situation and external information, in order to bring into play the strengths of the people's diplomacy, effectively support the foreign party and state diplomacy.
Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama, who is head of the diplomatic corps, expressed his confidence that the Union continues to contribute to the cause of peace, national independence and democracy social progress and social development of the world people, contributing to enhancing Vietnam's voice and reputation in the international arena.
